Joseph Fehlen – Rules of Engagement – April 19th, 2009

From the five part series “The Sinai Code”

Why did God give us rules, and why in particular the Ten Commandments? Looking at Exodus 20, it becomes clear that the Ten Commandments were not given as conditions of a relationship with God but rather as confirmation of a relationship He had already established with the nation of Israel. We, too, can establish a relationship with God, not by following rules, but by trusting in Him, as the first commandment (Ex 20:3) encourages us to do.

Personal Questions
Read the beginning of the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:1-2. Why was it important for God to remind the Israelites of His relationship with them before He gave them rules?

God’s first command to the nation of Israel as He prepared to lead them out of slavery in Egypt is found in Exodus 12:1-14. What was God teaching the Israelites about Himself through these instructions?

The last time Jesus celebrated the Passover is recorded in Matthew 26:17-30. What was Jesus teaching us about a relationship with Him?

Read the first commandment in Exodus 20:3. Trust is the foundation of a relationship. Why is it hard to trust God alone?

When did you come to realize that all you needed to do was trust God in order to have a relationship with Him?

After trusting in God for salvation, have you ever slipped back into focusing on following rules rather that pursuing an intimate relationship with Him? How do you keep from falling back into that mindset?

Personal Response
Write out the story of your exodus, when you exited “life apart from God” and entered into a relationship with Him.

Set aside time for a meal with friends or family in the next week or two in order to look back and celebrate what God has done in your life. Share your personal exodus stories with each other.

Has there been a time in your life when you felt that in order to gain God’s acceptance, you needed to follow a set of rules? How did this affect the way you related to God